OSU's Miller a top 2014 Heisman contender

Dec. 17, 2013

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller (5) scrambles at Michigan State during the 2012 season. He figures to be one of the nation's leading contenders for the 2014 Heisman Trophy. / The Associated Press

Written by

Paul Myerberg

USA TODAY

Even if the 2013 ceremony has only just wrapped up, it’s not too early to begin looking ahead to next year’s Heisman Trophy field.

Leading the way, of course, is this year's winner: Jameis Winston returns for another go at the trophy, much like his Heisman predecessor, Johnny Manziel, and should be viewed as the top contender heading into the 2014 season.

But he won’t be alone. Even if this year’s Heisman race loses a handful of strong challengers — like A.J. McCarron, Andre Williams and Jordan Lynch, among many others — there are a slew of qualified candidates set to return next fall.

While many would-be contenders have an NFL decision to make — like Manziel, for one — this list does its best to project which players decide to return for another season of college play rather than enter the 2014 draft. For example, the list does not include Manziel or Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

1. Florida State QB Jameis Winston

Like Manziel before him, Winston will need to battle against Heisman history — which suggests the chances at winning the Heisman twice sit between slim and none. Winston still deserves to be the top contender heading into 2014. If nothing else — and again, like Manziel — he’ll be even better in his second season as a starter.

2. Oregon QB Marcus Mariota

Mariota was the Heisman leader for much of this season before injuries, ineffectiveness and losses dropped him out of the race. If he can remain healthy in 2014 — and if the Ducks can regain the Pac-12 crown — Mariota might end up taking home the trophy. He’ll have his numbers, of course, and Oregon should be properly motivated by the way this season deteriorated in the second half.

3. Ohio State QB Braxton Miller

Miller still has a decision to make about the NFL, and it’s hard to get a gauge on his future plans — seeing last week that he's "getting tired" of the hits and pounding he takes at the center of Ohio State’s offense. He may be motivated by the loss to Michigan State, however, and decide to spend one more season with the Buckeyes to help develop greater consistency as a passer. With OSU set for another run at the national title, Miller would be a top Heisman contender through next season.

4. UCLA QB Brett Hundley

UCLA has won nine games in each of Hundley’s two seasons as the starter despite playing with one of the youngest rosters in the Pac-12. Come 2014, the Bruins’ group will be one of the more experienced in the conference. UCLA’s expectations are high, in short, and Hundley and the offense must show additional growth to match the team’s preseason goals. But given how he’s improved during his first two years, Hundley seems ready for an All-American junior season.

5. Baylor QB Bryce Petty

Like Mariota, Petty has already announced his intention to return for his senior season. He’ll have another shot to build some 2014 Heisman momentum in January’s Fiesta Bowl after leading Baylor to its first conference title as a member of the Big 12. Petty will have the numbers, but he’ll again need to lead the Bears to 10 or more wins to factor into the race.

6. Georgia RB Todd Gurley

Gurley will be the centerpiece of Georgia’s offense in 2014, which could be either a blessing or a curse — since his new go-to status will put Gurley on the map, but he won’t have quarterback Aaron Murray around to lend a hand with the passing game. But if Georgia can remain healthy and make a push for the SEC title, Gurley will be a strong contender.

7. Auburn QB Nick Marshall

If Tre Mason opts to leave one season of eligibility on the table, Marshall will be asked to shoulder an even larger role in Gus Malzahn’s offense in 2014. He seems ready for an increased workload. While not quite there as a passer, an offseason working out the kinks should yield a far more improved performance next fall. Look for his Heisman campaign to begin in earnest should Auburn top Florida State in the BCS National Championship Game.

8. Navy QB Keenan Reynolds

Reynolds was a superstar in 2013, though few noticed the way he tore through the FBS record book. Already one of the best all-around quarterbacks in Navy history, Reynolds is good enough to rack up 3,000 yards of total offense and 40 total touchdowns in leading the Midshipmen to nine or more wins in 2014. He has the numbers and the story to become a trendy Heisman pick.

9. Central Florida QB Blake Bortles

Bortles’ work in leading the Knights to the Fiesta Bowl has gone overlooked. But he’s made significant strides across the board since stepping into the starting lineup in 2011, and could put up major numbers in the passing game as a senior. In addition, UCF will enter next season as the top dog in the American Athletic Conference.

10. Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah

Perhaps the most impressive part of Abdullah’s junior season — 1,568 yards, eight touchdowns — was that he churned out yardage behind a makeshift, injury-ravaged offensive line. An improved defense could lead to a stronger performance overall from the Cornhuskers, which in conjunction with another strong individual season could lift Abdullah into the Heisman conversation.